Institute hit late winner to take three points at Ards

A 92nd minute Aaron Jarvis goal gave Institute an invaluabe win over Ards at Clandeboye Park.

Just as Ards looked set for their fourth scorless draw in six games, Jarvis popped up with a late goal to give the Londonderry side a crucial victory, with both teams likely to be intangiled in a relegation battle.

Ards were without seven first team players due to injury, with Colin Nixon forced to make do without the likes of Jonny Frazer, Mark Kelly and Eamon McAllister.

Despite the injuries, Ards had a chance to take the lead in the sixth minute when Jonah Mitchell opened up the Stute defence with a fine through ball. Kym Nelson latched onto the pass, but Marty Gallagher was out quickly to smother his shot.

Much like his namesake, Stute’s Stephen Curry tried his luck from downtown, but unlike the NBA superstar his eight-minute effort didn’t find the net. The in form Sam Johnston caught the shot with ease.

In the 17th minute, Michael McLellan flicked the ball into McAllister path. The winger burst into the Stute area and found a yard of space, but his lacklustre finish could not beat Gallagher.

On the half hour mark, Jonah Mitchell fired just wide from 20-yards, while in the 35th minute it was Josh Kelly’s turn to work Gallagher, with a turn and shot from inside the area.

While Ards had a few half chances in the opening period, Institute played some nice football and had plenty of possession inside the Ards half without really troubling goalkeeper Johnston. Twice, forward Michael McCrudden complained the match officials about a potential penalty, but on both occasion referee Jamie Robinson was unmoved.

McLellan, fresh from lifting the NIFWA goal of the month award, tried his luck in the 51st minute, when he fired a half volley towards goal but it went just over the bar.

McCrudden’s deflected effort in the 56th minute, then forced Johnston to make a save a full stretch.

Jonah Mitchell had a good chance to give Ards the lead but his 58th minute volley from 10 yards, went over the bar.

As the half wore the game looked set for a 0-0 draw, but deep in stoppage time, full-back Aaron Jarvis went on winding run into the Ards area before smashing a firm shot into the top corner, giving Johnston no chance.

The goal was a massive boon for Stute who ended their losing streak, but Ards are no without a win six Danske Bank Premiership games.